Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents
Storage, handling, disposal and emergency procedures. Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
3.6 Operational Control Procedure Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents PURPOSE To provide guidance on the management of laboratory reagents, chemicals and solvents through the safe storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials, as well as emergency procedures. SCOPE This procedure will apply to all laboratories or workshops handling laboratory reagents, chemicals and solvents on the Loughborough University site as defined within the EMS Manual excluding tenanted areas. NOTE Departments with specialist labs requiring more detailed and/or stringent procedures should prepare these locally taking into account the guidance within this document. CONTENTS • University Policy • Purpose of these Controls • Scope • Standards • Application 1. Deliveries and Receipt of Goods Standards 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Best Practice Principles for Deliveries and Receipt of Goods 2. Safe Storage Standards 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Principles of safe storage 3. Safe Handling Standards 3.1 Responsibilities of Supervisors and Technicians: 3.2 Responsibilities of Employees and Students: 3.3 Responsibilities of Departmental / School Safety Officers: 3.4 Responsibilities of the Health & Safety Department and Environmental Manager: 4. Safe Disposal Standards 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Dilution for disposal down the sink: 4.3 Aqueous Solutions 4.4 Organic Solvents 4.5 Disposal to the atmosphere 4.6 Waste Solids, Toxic and Reactive Chemicals 4.7 Equipment containing hazardous materials such as Mercury or Asbestos 4.8 Disposal of 'empty' bottles and jars 4.9 Disposal of laboratory glass 4.10 Transfer to disposal points pending collection: 5. Emergency Procedures 5.1 Procedure for Internal spills 5.2 Procedure for External spills 6. Appendices Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
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RECORD KEEPING: • All Departments should log that staff and students to which this applies have been inducted on its contents. EFFECTS OF & ACTIONS ON NON-CONFORMANCE: If this procedure is not applied it may result in: • a failure to correctly manage laboratory reagents, chemicals and solvents • a failure to be able to deal with emergency situations • a non-conformance with clauses of the EMS Departures from this procedure are addressed using procedure 4.3.1 Nonconformity, corrective action & preventive action. Procedure Changes (author/date/reason)
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
Operational Controls relating to the Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents University Policy It is the policy of Loughborough University to ensure that all work involving the use of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents is subject to the standards of control necessary to prevent, or where this is not possible to minimise, risks to human health, safety and the environment. Purpose of these Controls The purpose of these Controls is to set out the principles by which the University will comply with legislation, which it has a duty do so, including but not limited to the following Regulations and Acts and any subsequent amendments: • • • • • • • •
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2012 Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 Environmental Protection Act 1990 Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2011 Safe Use of Compressed Gas BCGA Publications List
Scope These controls shall apply to all activity on campus involving chemicals excluding the following for which there are separate Policies and Guidance: • • • •
Biological (See Biological Safety Policy) Explosives (See Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Policy) Gases (See Safe Use and Storage of Compressed Gas Policy & Guidance) Radioactive materials
These controls should be applied in conjunction with the above Policies and Guidance along with the following additional Policies and Guidance: • • • • • • • • • •
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Policy Departmental Safety Inspections Policy Environmental Policy and the Environmental Management System Fire Safety Policy Lone Working Policy and Guidance Manual Handling Policy and Guidance PPE Policy and Guidance Reporting of Accidents, Dangerous Occurrences and Occupational Ill Health Policy The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) which accompany all chemicals Waste Guidance Notes
Standards These Controls are delivered through five key areas along with an Emergency Procedures Process. The five key areas are: 1. Deliveries and Receipt of Goods 2. Transportation 3. Safe Storage 4. Safe Handling 5. Safe Disposal Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
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If the guidance in respect of the five key areas is correctly implemented and adhered to as a suite of Operational Controls then there should be little need for the application of the Emergency Procedure process. Application These Controls and the Emergency Procedures are to be applied by all Departments and Schools of the University. Local information should be completed where required and supplemented with Annexes to highlight specific local arrangements to deal with specific departmental risks. These Controls and the Emergency Procedures provide guidance for staff and students who are responsible for the receipt, storage, handling or disposal of laboratory reagents, chemicals and solvents. If anyone involved in the handling of these materials is unsure of their responsibilities they should seek assistance from their line manager, Laboratory Technicians, Safety Officers, the University Health & Safety Office or the University Environmental Manager. The correct management of these materials is important because they can have flammable, toxic, corrosive, or ecotoxic properties which make them harmful to human health and/or the environment. The University and its employees therefore have a legal responsibility and a duty of care to ensure that they are managed through the correct storage, handling and disposal as well as under emergency situations such as spillage. It is the responsibility of anyone bringing potentially hazardous materials onto site, to ensure there are suitable controls in place for the safe delivery, handling and storage of these materials before they are ordered. Larger volumes will need specialist attention in every aspect. Full COSHH and Risk Assessment of materials are required before the use of any hazardous materials and it is important to remember that COSHH risk assessments should not be generic and must be tailored to the particular process or application. Environmental hazards are included on MSDS and risks to the environment should be considered in the COSHH assessment alongside risks to health. The first step in evaluating the hazards associated with a given Chemical is by reference to the material’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). It is a statutory requirement of any Chemical Supplier to provide this information and it is typically available both electronically and physically upon delivery. It is a clear requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Act to comply with: Section 2 (2)(b) arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances; Section 7 that employees are required to “Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.” Environmental Legislation then adds the requirements for safe and correct disposal. In many cases of legislation there exist Acceptable or Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP), it is not a legal requirement to follow these but in doing so you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. However, the Code has a special legal status. If you are prosecuted for breach of health and safety law, and it is proved that you did not follow the relevant provisions of the Code, you will need to show that you have complied with the law in some other way or a Court will find you at fault. Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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1. Deliveries and Receipt of Goods Standards 1.1 Introduction This section aims to provide guidance on the safe delivery to and receipt of goods onto the campus. The risks which can arise from poor practice include: • Not having suitable storage or knowledge of the material/substance being purchased. • Delivery firms / suppliers not being aware of the risks associated with the campus (speed restrictions, narrow roads, high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists) • Goods being delivered to the wrong locations (resulting in unnecessary additional movement of dangerous substances) • Goods being accepted by receptions (and thus temporarily stored in an unsuitable environment until they can be relocated) • Safety Officers not being aware of materials held in the department. • Goods being opened without the correct knowledge of their contents and therefore without the correct PPE • Accepting damaged goods without being aware of the risks • Overly large quantities of goods delivered to the wrong or temporary locations 1.2 Best Practice Principles for Deliveries and Receipt of Goods 1. Undertake a review of the MSDS and quantity being ordered and ensure there are suitable controls in place for safe delivery, handling and storage. Full COSHH and Risk Assessment of materials are required before use of any hazardous goods. 2. When ordering goods ensure that suppliers are instructed to ensure that all parcels are correctly labelled on the outside with Name, Department, Building and the University address and not the contact name stored within their systems details which may be totally different. 3. It is considered best practice for departments to be aware of what hazardous materials are being ordered and which have arrived / are still to be delivered. 4. Ensure routine suppliers and delivery firms are aware of the risks associated with delivering to the campus. This can be achieved by undertaking a mini H&S induction or by providing the supplier with a reduced version of the University Contractor H&S Induction which the companies own H&S team can deliver to its staff. (This is available from FM). 5. Ensure routine suppliers and delivery firms are aware of the times when stores are manned or suitable staff will be available to accept deliveries – particularly with large or specialist/dangerous deliveries. 6. Have multiple staff trained and approved to accept deliveries. 7. In the event of stores being closed ensure that: a. Reception staff are aware a delivery is expected b. Keys are available to the store (if appropriate) c. Staff are trained sufficiently to know the materials they are accepting, the risks associated with them, how they should be stored and any timescales for the correct storage of these. This could be achieved through internal training or attendance on COSHH training courses. d. Materials are moved to the correct storage location as soon as possible. This would normally be the same day. It is not best practice for hazardous materials to be left overnight in a temporary location. 8. Before accepting any item ensure that: a. The paperwork and labelling is correct. b. The paperwork matches the product, where the product is visible. Goods should not be unpacked unless the person is trained to do so. Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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c. The packaging is intact. Any leaking, broken or improperly sealed containers must not be accepted. If leakage is found subsequent to acceptance, immediately contact your DSO/SSO or the H&S Office and evacuate everyone in the immediate vicinity. Only trained personnel should attempt to clear up the spill using the appropriate kit and PPE. 9. Hazardous substances should be received (and stored) in accordance with procedures and conditions identified in the MSDS / COSHH / Risk Assessments. 10. Those responsible for unpacking goods should wear the appropriate PPE for the task as identified in the MSDS / COSHH / Risk Assessments. 11. The appropriate spill containment should be available in case the primary containment is found to be damaged. 12. Any item classified as a Hazardous substance must be kept in the appropriate store and an MSDS / COSHH / Risk Assessment (as appropriate) must be available for inspection and a copy supplied to the Safety Officer. 13. Departments should issue guidance to their staff based on best practice as it pertains to their specific area and operations supplementing the above with local rules.
2. Safe Storage Standards 2.1 Introduction This section aims to provide guidance on the safe storage of chemicals in all workspaces. The risks that can arise from the inappropriate storage of chemicals can include: • Increased risk to human health, the environment or the fabric of a building because chemicals have been stored in an inappropriate state, condition or without adequate warning of the hazards. • Unwanted reactions, when incompatible chemicals becoming mixed • Escalation of consequences when incorrectly stored material becomes involved in a minor incident • Reluctance of emergency services to enter a building or laboratory to deal with an emergency situation because of doubt over what chemicals are in the lab and how safely they are stored. The following aspects are important to consider in arrangements for safe storage of chemicals: • Minimise or restrict the quantities stored and avoiding over-ordering, • Ensure MSDS are held for all materials (this might be electronically or as a hard copy) • Choose an appropriate storage location in accordance with the MSDS • Ensure COSHH and Risk Assessments have been undertaken if materials are being dispensed to remote storage locations. • The maintenance of records of location, keeper and quantities of items as highlighted within a department as posing a significant risk. • Use suitable labels and signage • Use containers that are appropriate and do not overfill them. • Use secondary containment appropriate for the type and volume of hazard • Ensure appropriate spill kits and procedures are in place. • Exercise care in handling and ensure appropriate PPE. • Keep storage areas tidy • Maintain good stock control and share stocks where appropriate • Dispose of waste materials regularly or move them to specialist waste storage facilities Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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2.2 Principles of safe storage There are three principles which can be applied to help provide safe storage of laboratory chemicals. Segregation, Separation and Ventilation. The aim should be: to segregate incompatible chemicals from each other; to separate hazardous chemicals from unsuitable conditions for reasons of their toxicity, flammability or reactivity and to provide adequate ventilation which will remove or dilute malodorous, noxious, toxic or flammable vapours and prevent their build-up. Segregation there are numerous factors to consider in segregation and Appendix 1 provides two key tables to refer to but further information is available via the web and reference sources. A useful reference on chemical incompatibilities and other reaction hazards is ‘Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards’ published by Academic Press. Separation can be in the form of: Physical separation - by means of storage cupboards which physically divide incompatible classes of hazardous chemicals. The cupboards may need specific properties or provide separation by means of distance. They will also need to provide secondary containment (eg spill trays or bunded shelves) and security (eg locks / bolted to wall). Special means - to separate them from incompatible conditions eg under nitrogen to exclude air or moisture, under controlled temperature, or other specialist storage arrangements. Separation by distance - On some occasions separation could be afforded by distance alone. Materials of construction - The storage facility will need to be strong enough to carry the weight of the stored material, be compatible with the materials stored, easily cleanable and, in the instance of flammable liquids, having suitable resistance to the passage of flame or hot gases and not to distort, melt or lose integrity when subject to extreme heat, for a sufficient period of time. This may also include controls regarding lighting and power. Secure against unauthorised use / access / theft - Control of access will be required for certain classes of chemicals, which will include: • Extremely toxic • Poisons • Controlled drugs • Regulated chemicals eg certain chemical weapon precursors, biological toxins and explosives / de-sensitised explosives • Certain ‘high risk’ other materials depending on local procedures eg carcinogens, teratogens, mutagens and highly reactive • Radioactive (note: reference must be made to Radiation Protection Officer) Particular emphasis should be given to items as highlighted within a department as posing a significant risk. Ventilation - is often an essential requirement for safe storage of hazardous chemicals. Its main function is to allow dilution and extraction of vapours or gases that may escape / seep out from containers during storage so they no longer present problems from the viewpoint of noxious smell, hazardous personal exposure or creation of an explosive atmosphere. As part of this consideration will need to be given to a risk assessment of lighting and controls. Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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DSEAR – Please refer to Policy available at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/hse/policies/specific-policies.html Maintaining Records – Departments should be able to identify the high risk storage areas in the event of an incident in order to notify the Fire Officer. The level of Segregation, Separation and Ventilation will depend on the nature and quantity of the material in question. For a list or Hazard symbols, Risk phrases and Safety phrases to be used when labelling hazardous materials please see http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/phrases.htm#risk
3. Safe Handling Standards 3.1 Responsibilities of Supervisors and Technicians: • Obtain, review and make available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and COSHH assessment for the materials present in the laboratory or at the work site. • Ensure that sufficient quantities and appropriate types of spill control materials, as prescribed in the MSDS, are available to contain and clean up a minor spill. Call the Health and Safety Department (Ext. 222180) for advice and recommendations if required. • Ensure that any required personal protective equipment (PPE e.g. eyewear or gloves) is available and any respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has been face fit tested (for further details contact the Health & Safety Office) • Ensure that spill control materials are located in a readily accessible location, close to the area where chemicals are stored and used. • Ensure that students and employees are familiar with the materials used and stored in the laboratory or work site and the spill procedures to be used in the event of an incident. • Record information regarding any spills using the Reporting of Accidents, Dangerous Occurrences and Occupational Ill Health form • Investigate the causes of minor spills and ensure appropriate follow-up is conducted. 3.2 Responsibilities of Employees and Students: • Review the Department Safety Manual and be aware of emergency contact numbers, eye wash fountains and emergency showers, as well as emergency exits and evacuation routes and procedures. • Review the COSHH assessments and MSDS for any chemical you need to use, taking any precautions required such as appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure that a spill procedure is in place and that appropriate spill control material is available in the laboratory or work site. • Ensure proper reporting procedures are followed in the event of a spill Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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3.3 Responsibilities of Departmental / School Safety Officers: • Ensure spill procedures have been established in each laboratory and work site • Inspect laboratories and work sites to ensure appropriate spill control materials are available, based on the nature of the chemical or material being used or stored. • Ensure that staff and students are aware of the proper reporting procedures and that they are followed for each spill. 3.4 Responsibilities of the Health & Safety Department and Environmental Manager: • Provide appropriate advice and guidance to ensure compliance with legal requirements under health, safety and environmental legislation • Provide advice to DSO’s/SSO’s, Supervisors and Technicians to assist them in setting up proper emergency response protocols. • Provide in-house training on required spill response procedures to Loughborough University Staff • Provide an efficient and effective response to hazardous spills when needed. • Maintain and lead the HazMat Team (See page 9) and establish, coordinate and elicit emergency response from outside agencies when required
4. Safe Disposal Standards 4.1 Introduction Hazardous waste must be properly identified, segregated into waste streams, stored safely and disposed of by authorised carriers to prevent pollution in the environment. A legal Duty of Care is placed on everyone in the waste management chain, from the producer of the waste to those who ultimately process and dispose of the waste, to ensure that this happens. The penalties for infringement are very severe, ranging from unlimited fines to imprisonment for up to five years. Any prosecution of a corporate body may also be accompanied by the prosecution of the actual producer of the waste, such as an undergraduate, postgraduate or member of staff. Production of hazardous waste should be minimised and consideration of the disposal method should form part of the COSHH assessment. The appropriate amount of time must be allocated to ensure the safe and correct disposal of any hazardous waste produced. The disposal of hazardous waste is centrally funded but specialist facilities for the collection, storage and disposal of such materials are located in the following areas: Table 1:
Location Materials Engineering Chemical Engineering Holwell CBE Wolfson School FM Yard School of the Arts Chemistry
Main Contact Ray Owens Sean Creedon Bob Temple Bob Temple Nik Hunt Rachael Jermyn Alistair Daley
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Guidance for disposal of other key hazardous wastes can be found by viewing the relevant Waste Guidance Note (WGN) which can be found on the Sustainability website at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/sustainability/policy/waste_management.html : IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IS NOT RELEASED INTO DRAINS OR WATER COURSES. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST ANYTHING BE POURED DOWN A SURFACE (ALSO KNOWN AS STORM) WATER DRAIN. THESE ARE FOR RAIN WATER ONLY! Loughborough University does not have an Environmental Permit for waste to be discharged into the public sewer via sinks or drains. Material that goes into the drainage system has to be rendered non-hazardous e.g. by treatment such as neutralisation or it must be diluted beyond a concentration at which it could be classified as hazardous. Hazardous waste must also never be disposed of onto the earth or by evaporation into a fume hood. Fume hoods are there as a safety precaution, not a disposal chamber. The disposal of waste laboratory chemicals will involve one or more of the following procedures: 1. Dilution for disposal down the sink. 2. Laboratory pre-treatment followed by 1. 3. Packaging, labelling, storage for specialist contractor disposal. 4. Laboratory pre-treatment followed by 3. 4.2 Dilution for disposal down the sink: Small quantities of purely aqueous solutions may be poured down the sink provided that they do not contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Strong acids, alkalis, oxidising agents and reducing agents should be neutralised before disposal. Whenever this procedure is adopted the limits should not exceed the Regional Rivers Authority maximum permissible levels which are shown in Table 2 on the next page. This list is by no means exhaustive: further information is available in the Department Safety Library (e.g. manufacturer's catalogues). As a guide to dilution, a normal tap delivers approximately 5 - 8 litres per minute. The pH shall be between 6 and 11 (very mild acidity to fairly alkaline). Organic solvents, halogenated hydrocarbons, petrol, paraffin etc. may never be poured down the sink (except perhaps for a few millilitres of water miscible solvents such as alcohols and acetone). See below for how to dispose of organic solvents. Chemical waste may only be flushed down sinks and drains that are connected to foul sewers under no circumstances should waste be flushed down surface drains e.g. drains at the side of roads and car parks etc.
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Table 2: Maximum permissible levels
CHEMICAL
SHALL NOT EXCEED
Ammoniacal nitrogen
10mg/l as N.
Sulphate
1000mg/l as SO4.
Available chlorine
50mg/l as Cl2.
Available sulphur dioxide
10mg/l as SO2.
Formaldehyde
200mg/l as HCHO.
Saponifiable grease/oil
300mg/l (as a combined limit).
Unsaponifiable grease/oil
50mg/l (as a combined limit).
Settleable solids
400mg/l.
Rapidly settleable solids
100mg/l.
The temperature shall not exceed 43.3°C. METALS:
SHALL NOT EXCEED
Zinc
5mg/l
Copper
5mg/l
Nickel
5mg/l
Chromium
10mg/l
Silver
1mg/l
These figures are based on small volume discharges (less than 2-3m3 per day) for the whole campus.
Under The Trade Effluents (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1989 it is illegal to dispose of any of the following substances down a drain. 3-Chlorotoluene Aldrin Altrazine Azinphos-methyl Cadmium and its Compounds Carbon Tetrachloride Chloroprene DDT Dichloroethane 1.2 Dichlorvos
Dieldrin Endosulfan Endrin Fenitrothion GammaHexachlorocyclohexane (Lindane) Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) Malathion
Mercury and its Compounds Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Simazine Tributyltin compounds Trichlorobenzene Trifluralin Triphenyltin compounds
And in addition the following items are prohibited Arsenic Petroleum spirit Calcium carbide
Halogenated hydrocarbons Organic solvents Cyanides
Sulphides Lead Thallium
The following guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive, and if you are in any doubt please consult a member of staff, the Safety Officer or the University Health & Safety Manager.
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4.3 Aqueous Solutions Dilute aqueous solutions and small amounts of unreactive, non-toxic water- soluble substances may be poured down the sink after dilution with a large amount of water. Inorganic acids and alkalis should be neutralised before discharging to drain. Material containing strong oxidising or reducing agents, cyanides, sulphides or toxic metals e.g. mercury, lead, thallium, arsenic, cadmium etc., must not be put down the drain. 4.4 Organic Solvents These should not be poured down the sink. Organic solvents can be grouped together into four categories for the purposes of disposal: 1. Highly toxic, reactive or smelly organic liquids e.g. benzene, pyridine, dimethyl sulphoxide. 2. Chlorinated / Halogenated organic solvents, not falling into category (1) e.g. Chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, CFC's etc. 3. Non-chlorinated and non-halogenated solvents, miscible with water and not falling into category (1), e.g. alcohols, acetone. 4. Non-chlorinated and non-halogenated solvents, immiscible with water and not falling into categories (1) and (2) e.g. toluene, hexane, diethyl ether. Those in category (1) should be disposed of on an individual basis following the correct procedure laid down in each case. Those in categories 2, 3 and 4 should be collected together in labelled containers set aside for that purpose, i.e. the chlorinated solvents should be collected in one container while the water miscible non-chlorinated solvents are collected in another and the water immiscible non-chlorinated solvents are collected in a third. If acids or alkalis are present in solvent waste, they should be neutralised before pouring the waste into the appropriate container. As with any chemicals these containers must be stored correctly (e.g. in a cabinet) and when full they should be given to the relevant staff for disposal. Organic Solvents should be stored in separate containers in the following three categories: 1. Hydrophillic - Blue colour coded containers 2. Hydrophobic - Red colour coded containers 3. Chlorinated - Green colour coded containers If acids or alkalis are also present then these should be neutralised first. 4.5 Disposal to the atmosphere Fume cupboards on campus are there to ensure practical laboratory work can be undertaken in accordance with COSHH assessments. They do not exist for disposal of chemicals to the atmosphere. However in exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the DSO / SSO this may be necessary. For larger experiments the environmental impact should be considered and absorption traps or mechanical scrubbers may be necessary. 4.6 Waste Solids, Toxic and Reactive Chemicals Many organic and inorganic compounds can be deactivated and/or detoxified by an appropriate chemical reaction. Containers of those toxic waste materials which cannot be detoxified should be properly labelled* with the nature of the waste. If necessary, the container should be placed in a sealed plastic bag. * Labelling should be in accordance with the current Approved Code of Practice
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Incompatible materials should be stored separately according to the following categories: Table 3: Waste Chemicals Classification
Category 1. 2.
Type General non-reactive organics - low toxicity General non-reactive inorganics and organo-metallics of low toxicity metals
Examples Inert polymers and organics Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Cr salts and organo complexes Hg, Sb, Te, Be, Os salts and organo metallics Cyanides, cyanates, thiocyanates, sulphides, alkaline solutions Phosphorus, alkyl alkali metal compounds
3.
Toxic metals salts and complexes
4.
Inorganic cyanides and alkaline solutions
5.
Pyrophoric materials
6.
Water reactive inorganics
POCl3 SOCl2 TiCl4
7.
Water reactive organics
Benzoyl chloride, acetyl chloride
8.
Alkali metals, hydrides, carbides and phosphides
K, Na, Li, LiAlH4 Calcium carbide
9.
Inorganic acids and acid salts
10.
Oxidising agents - inorganic
11.
Organic peroxides
t-butyl hydroperoxide
12.
Explosive/percussive material
picric acid, TNT
13.
Highly toxic and 'difficult' organics, carcinogens
isocyanates, nitriles, thiols, dialkyl sulphates, biocidal materials, some nitro compounds
14.
unknowns
15.
Gas cylinders, pressurised containers
Chromic acid, Iron (III) chloride, nitric acid, etc Perchloric acid, chromates, KClO4, Bromine
SO2 canisters, lecture bottles, spray cans
4.7 Equipment containing hazardous materials such as Mercury or Asbestos Where equipment contains or is suspected of containing hazardous materials such as Mercury or Asbestos it is to be treated as chemically hazardous waste rather than any other waste stream. As such the procedure as detailed in WGN033 should be followed to have these moved to one of the two main hazardous waste stores. 4.8 Disposal of 'empty' bottles and jars If empty bottles of reagents etc. from chemical suppliers cannot be returned to them, they must not be disposed of via the normal waste routes until they are COMPLETELY free of the substances they contained. The labels indicating that they contained hazardous substances must be removed or defaced when they no longer contain such material. Traces of solvents should be removed by evaporation in a fume cupboard to avoid the build up of solvent vapour/air mixtures! Decontaminated glass bottles can be disposed of in the nearest bottle bank (for locations please see http://maps.lboro.ac.uk/). Other glass bottles and jars can be recycled in this manner if triple rinsed. Copyright Loughborough University Filepath: \EcoCampus\3. OPERATING\3.6 OPERATIONAL CONTROL\CURRENT
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
4.9 Disposal of laboratory glass Laboratory glass should be disposed of in plastic bins without bags. Facilities Management can provide these bins and can be contacted via the FM Helpdesk to undertake an exchanges when they are full (any department within close proximity to the skip in the W Yard should empty their own bins). 4.10 Transfer to disposal points pending collection: It is the responsibility of ANYONE BRINGING IN CHEMICALS to ensure that plans are in place for the safe use, storage and disposal of any potentially hazardous materials brought onto site. This includes ensuing they are correctly identified, labelled and packaged at all times including when being disposed of, if necessary seeking advice in order to do so. For disposal: • A small hazardous waste store has been created in the FM Yard for the purpose of storing aerosols and paints (other than those arising within departments which already have dedicated hazardous waste stores). • If a department has a clear out and come across “one off” instances of hazardous materials in small volumes and they do not have safe short term storage, then they are to be transferred to: o Chemistry (for Central and East park departments) o Material Engineering (for West Park) o Any paints or aerosols are to be transferred to the FM yard irrespective of where they arise. (Contact the Environmental Manager in order to arrange access) • If safe storage is available (and departments should have suitable storage arrangements before bringing hazardous materials on site) then the producing department should follow the procedure below. • Where departments identify a regular stream of materials: o Departments are to store this until one week prior to the main pickups and then it is to be transferred to one of the aforementioned stores according to area. o If safe storage limits are surpassed then the material should be transferred to one of the central stores. • If it is not safe to transport the material or the central store cannot accommodate it then arrangements can be made for our approved contractor to come in to list and collect the materials from the producing department. To arrange for a transfer of hazardous waste into any of the central stores: • Contact the Environmental Manager via email
[email protected] and provide the following information: • A description of the waste – e.g. the chemical name and information about the origin of the waste. • Packaging type – e.g. original cardboard container, plastic bottle, glass Winchester etc. • Amount of material in total - e.g. number of containers x volume or weight • The person responsible for the waste - their name and contact details. On receipt of your email the information will be checked before being forwarded to the person responsible for the relevant store to verify that the waste can be accommodated. Once the confirmation has been received the person responsible for the waste will be contacted with information on how to access the store. The waste must be safely packaged in robust containers and fully labelled with the relevant six digit EWC Code.
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
For small amounts of laboratory chemicals the EWC Code 16 05 06 will be the standard code. It must be delivered by the responsible person from the producing department and signed into the store by the Safety Officer (DSO/SSO) or their nominated deputy within the accepting department. They will supervise the transfer of material into the store and ensure that its description matches that provided by the responsible person. There are currently three main Hazardous Waste collections from the campus – they are in March, July and November.
5. Emergency Spill Procedures Emergency Procedures The University’s full Spill Response Procedures can be seen at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/sustainability/policy/Incident.html but the following processes flows provide a ready response for both internal and external spills.
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
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Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
APPENDIX 1: Incompatibility Tables Table 1 Hazard Class Class
2
3
Keep Apart 2
Keep Apart
4
5
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Isolate
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Separation may not be Necessary
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Separate From
Keep Apart
Separate From
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Isolate
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Separate From
Isolate
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Separation may not be Necessary
Separate From
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separate From
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separate From
Keep Apart
Separate From
Separation may not be Necessary
Separation may not be Necessary
Separate From
Separate From
Separate From
Keep Apart
Isolate
Separate From
Separate From
Isolate
Separate From
Isolate
Separate From
Separate From
6
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
8
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Separation may not be Necessary
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
4
5
Source: Health & Safety Executive HSG71 (http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/saleproduct.jsf?catalogueCode=9780717662371 )
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8
Separate From OR Keep Apart
Separate From OR Keep Apart
3
6
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Separation may not be Necessary Separation may not be Necessary
Authors: Cathy Moore & Nik Hunt Creation Date: January 2014 Approved By: Jo Shields
Filename: 3.6.30 Management of Laboratory Reagents, Chemicals and Solvents 01.00 Revision Date: N/A
Table 2 Chemical Hazards
Acids, inorganic Acids, oxidizing Acids, organic Alkalis (bases) Oxidizers Poisons, inorganic Poisons, organic Water- reactives Organic solvents
Acids, inorganic
Acids, oxidizing
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Acids, organic Keep Apart Keep Apart
Alkalis (bases) Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart
Waterreactives Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart
Organic solvents Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Poisons, organic Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Oxidizers
Keep Apart
Poisons, inorganic Keep Apart Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Keep Apart
Source: TBC
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Keep Apart Keep Apart
